2_Philadelphia Eagles2

Denver Broncos Gameday HQ

their two main offseason acquisitions, the Eagles showed that
improving the defense was a priority. Jenkins must prove that he
was the right move.
Eagles Special Teams
Although Donnie Jones averaged a strong 44.9 yards per punt
last year, it was just the sixth best mark of his career. Granted,
the Eagles’ strong offense didn’t force him to be booting the ball
away too often from deep in Philadelphia territory, but Jones
could do better.
The same goes for Alex Henery, who was not so reliable
from beyond 40 yards last year, as his 8-of-12 success rate
demonstrates. Henery does not boom the ball on kickoffs, and
if he has another season during which he cannot be relied
upon to hit the
long ball, the
Eagles may look
for an upgrade.
The loss of
Jackson will hurt
in the return
game. Even
though he didn’t
have a great
average bringing
back punts last
year, he has
superior speed
and the ability to make big plays.
Sproles has a proven record in the return game, although his age
makes it unlikely he’ll be a regular. Boykin has potential, as does
all-purpose weapon Brad Smith.
Prediction
The Eagles aren’t yet ready to make a Super Bowl run, but
in the mediocre NFC East, they are the clear favorites. If Foles
continues to play well, the offense will surely crackle. The D,
meanwhile, ought to be better, thanks to the maturation of the
younger troops. A division title is likely, and a playoff win or
maybe two could well happen.
SCOREBOARD
2013 2012 2011 2010 2009
PLAYOFF FINISH WC - - WC WC
WON-LOSS 10-6 4-12 8-8 10-6 11-5
POINTS/GAME 27.6 17.5 24.8 27.4 26.8
OPP POINTS/GAME 23.9 27.8 20.5 23.6 21.1
YARDS/GAME 417.3 354.1 399.1 389.4 357.9
YARDS ALLOWED 394.0 343.2 324.9 327.2 321.1
TURNOVERS 19 37 38 25 23
TAKEAWAYS 31 13 24 34 38
Key Additions:
RB Darren Sproles, S Malcolm Jenkins, QB Mark Sanchez, CB Nolan
Carroll
Key Subtractions:
WR DeSean Jackson, WR Jason Avant, S Patrick Chung, QB Michael
Vick
Rookies:
OLB Marcus Smith, WR Jordan Matthews, WR Josh Huff, CB Jaylen
Watkins, DE Taylor Hart, S Ed Reynolds, DT Beau Allen
Chip Kelly and Nick Foles
DREW HALLOWELL/GETTY IMAGES SPORT
simply in winning shootouts, and that Kelly didn’t care too
much about defense.
Philadelphia had its moments of trouble on that side of the
ball last year, especially as the team went 3-5 in the first half. If
it is going to become a playoff success this year, rather than just
a playoff qualifier, it must become a tighter, more productive
unit, particularly when it comes to rushing the passer and
defending against the pass. Although the team did take some
steps to upgrade its secondary and drafted a pass-rushing
end, it is largely the same unit that finished 29th in points
allowed last year.
The switch to a 3-4 brought some personnel issues, and
although the team is more comfortable with Davis’ system,
it remains to be seen whether Cole will progress in the
outside linebacker spot or if Ryans will continue to play well
inside the 3-4.
Up front, second-year nose tackle Bennie Logan looks to be
a keeper, but end Fletcher Cox had a so-so season and must step
up this year. Inside backer Mychal Kendricks has the speed to
thrive all over the field but needs more consistency, and Connor
Barwin continues to be a steady, versatile performer on the
outside, opposite Cole.
The Eagles are hoping former New Orleans starter Malcolm
Jenkins will bring stability to the safety position, a real trouble
spot last year. But whether a reliable regular next to him can be
found from between second-year man Earl Wolff and vet Nate
Allen remains to be seen. Brandon Boykin is a fine slot corner,
but the starting tandem of Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher
doesn’t overwhelm.
Defensive Player to Watch
Safety was a definite issue for the Eagles last year, and
the arrival of Jenkins at the free safetyspot brings hope that
Philadelphia won’t be as susceptible to enemy passers, who
completed 60.9 percent of their throws last season.
During his five years in New Orleans, Jenkins proved to be a
solid centerfielder, although he only intercepted six passes—and
was a full-time starter his last four seasons. He has good speed
and instincts but isn’t the best tackler, something that the team
needs on the back line.
No matter what Jenkins’ shortcomings may be, the Eagles
need him to be a stalwart in a secondary that must get better in
order for the team to enjoy more success. By making him one of